The only info I was looking for was what permits I might need.
Brian,
I started the permitting process on Feb. 21st 2007 and I'm finally close to approval.
Basically you need to do two things to get the ball rolling.
1.) You need to submitt your plan for the dam to PA DEP Division of Dam Safety. They will determine whether the proposed dam is a "non-jurisdictional" dam or a "jurisdictional" dam.
A "non-jurisdictional" dam is one that crosses a watercourse, has a contributory drainage less than 100 acres, has a maximum depth at the upstream toe of less than 15 feet, and has a maximum storage capacity less than 50 acre feet. It does
not require a Dam Permit.
A "jurisdictional" dam exceeds any one of the above criteria. It will probably require formal engineering design. It will also require a Dam Permit with permit fees ranging from $1500-$3500.
2.) In my case the dam is "non-jurisdictional". When the Div. of Dam Safety made their determination they sent me an Environmental Assessment Package. The package itemizes all the documentation you need to submit to PA DEP for approval. PA DEP then distributes the package to any other state and federal agencies that need to approve it, including ACoE.
As for design help my guess would be that you're on your own. I must have talked to the pond expert at NRCS a half dozen times over the last year with no input forthcoming.
Hope this helps getting you started. I could have saved 6 months if this info was more readily available.
